Sun Flyer 2 to use Siemens engineSun Flyer 2 to use Siemens engine

The two-seat electric Sun Flyer 2 will run on a Siemens SP70D engine with a 90kW (115-horsepower) peak rating and a 70kW (90-hp) continuous rating, Bye Aerospace announced May 29.

The Sun Flyer 2 prototype made a successful first flight April 10. Photo courtesy of Bye Aerospace.

“The Siemens SP70D motor has been specifically designed for the needs of 2-seater flight trainers,” Dr. Frank Anton, executive vice president and head of eAircraft, Siemens, said in a news release. “We know that safety, performance and cost of electric propulsion in the flight training market will be game changing and we are proud to partner on the Sun Flyer family of aircraft.”

Bye Aerospace CEO George Bye said that “members of the Siemens team have already been participating in development and certification meetings with the FAA.”

Bye Aerospace is targeting the flight training and general aviation markets with its Sun Flyer 2 and Sun Flyer 4 (a four-seat model). Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has Sun Flyer 2s on order and will be the first customer for the Sun Flyer 4.